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Books matching: circular narratives

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  1. #1

    Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany
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    "Dhalgren" by Samuel R. Delany is a dense and challenging novel that defies easy categorization. Set in the city of Bellona, the book explores themes of post-apocalyptic surrealism, sexuality, race, and societal collapse through the eyes of an unnamed protagonist. The narrative is described as circular and dreamlike, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Delany's writing style is noted for its poetic descriptions, vivid imagery, and experimental structure that plays with the concept of time and space.

    Beginning in this tone, for us, is a little odd, but such news stands out, to your editor's mind, as the impressive occurrence in our eccentric history. Ernest Newboy, the most notable English-languag...

  2. #2

    Q & A by Vikas Swarup
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    'Q & A' by Vikas Swarup is a captivating novel that follows the story of Ram Mohammad Thomas, a young man who finds himself in prison after winning one billion rupees on a TV quiz show. Through a series of flashbacks and storytelling, Ram recounts the events of his life that led him to possess the knowledge to answer each question correctly. The book offers an insightful glimpse into Indian society, highlighting the struggles of the lower classes while weaving a tale of survival, loyalty, and coincidence. The narrative style is engaging, with a clever structure that keeps readers hooked as they uncover the mysteries of Ram's past.

    The writing style of 'Q & A' is praised for its easy readability and gripping storytelling. Readers found themselves drawn into the book from the first page, fascinated by the language and matter-of-fact depiction of life in India. The character development, particularly that of Ram, is commended for its depth and realism, making him a relatable protagonist. The book not only explores themes of social conditions and life struggles but also delves into the impact of education, money, and relationships in shaping one's destiny. Overall, 'Q & A' is described as a thought-provoking and consciousness-raising read that offers a unique perspective on Indian culture and societal issues.

    Vikas Swarup is an Indian diplomat who has served in Turkey, the United States, Ethiopia and Great Britain. He is presently posted in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. Q & A is being tran...

  3. 'The Etymologicon' by Mark Forsyth is a delightful and humorous exploration of the origins and hidden connections between words in the English language. Forsyth takes the reader on a light-hearted and often irreverent journey through the meanings of words, linking them in unexpected ways. meanders through word origins, word borrowing, and word changes, covering topics from chickens and testicles to assassins on drugs, all while maintaining a conversational and witty writing style that keeps the reader engaged.

    Forsyth's book is a fun and enlightening look at language, providing fascinating tales about how the English language has evolved through mishearings, mispronunciations, and borrowing from other languages. The short sections and breezy writing style make it an easy and enjoyable read, perfect for anyone with a love of words and their histories. is filled with rich and entertaining anecdotes, making it a must-read for word enthusiasts looking to uncover the hidden connections within the English language.

    Heckling is, or once was, the process of removing the knots from wool. Sheep are notoriously lackadaisical about their appearance, so before their wool can be turned into a nice warm jumper it must be...

  4. #4

    Call Me the Breeze by Patrick McCabe
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    'Call Me the Breeze' by Patrick McCabe follows the life of Joey Tallon, a complex and deluded character navigating through Northern Ireland in the 1970s and 80s. Joey's journey is marked by failed dreams, tragic schemes, and a constant search for meaning in a hostile world. The narrative style shifts between first and third person, offering glimpses into Joey's inner turmoil and his tumultuous relationships with figures like Mona and Jacy. As Joey's story unfolds, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride where reality blends with fantasy, success intertwines with tragedy, and enlightenment comes at a significant cost.

    The novel explores themes of intellectual curiosity, writing as a coping mechanism, and the blurred lines between delusion and reality. Through Joey's character, McCabe delves into the struggles of a tormented protagonist trying to make sense of his tumultuous surroundings while grappling with his own inner demons. The narrative weaves together elements of Irish history, personal introspection, and existential questioning, creating a compelling yet challenging read that forces the reader to confront the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of self-discovery.


  5. #5

    Collected Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges
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    Collected Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short stories that delve into fantastical worlds, odd realities, and philosophical musings. Borges weaves intricate narratives filled with paradoxes, gaucho knife fights, labyrinths, and infinite libraries. His writing style is described as mind-bending, deeply memorable, and engaging, touching on themes of history, the life of the mind, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. The stories are often dense, thought-provoking, and sometimes eerie, resonating with readers on a profound level.

    In 1517, Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, feeling great pity for the Indians who grew worn and lean in the drudging infernos of the Antillean gold mines, proposed to Emperor Charles V that Negroes be brou...

  6. #6

    Distant Star by Roberto Bolaño
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    'Distant Star' by Roberto Bolano is a short novel that delves into the intertwining lives of Chilean poets around the time of Pinochet's coup. It follows the mysterious poet Carlos Wieder, who transitions from a celebrated artist to a murderous soldier under the new regime, exploring themes of poetry, fascism, and the impact of political events on individuals. The narrative is laced with dark and grotesque elements, painting a chilling picture of the era and the characters' twisted paths, all narrated through the eyes of a fellow poet who becomes entangled in the search for Wieder.

    At that stage Wieder was calling himself Alberto Ruiz-Tagle and occasionally attended Juan Stein’s poetry workshop in Concepción, the so-called capital of the South. I can’t say I knew him well. I saw...

  7. #7

    A School for Fools by Carl R. Proffer, Sasha Sokolov
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    Sokolov's 'School for Fools' is a linguistically titillating thrill, blending childhood and adult memories of a schizophrenic character with an impressive range of references to Russian and Western cultural traditions. The narrative intricately weaves public and private memories, illuminating the delicate subconscious threads that connect each individual to the collective. Through a deconstruction of temporal linearity and individual identity, the protagonist becomes a prophet delving into the mysteries of cultural development and the communal self, offering a postmodern, intertextual exploration of the human psyche.

    The book reads like a disheveled dream outside the boundaries of time, where madness and satire intertwine to capture the essence of the soul. A slow read, but enriched with original insights, elegant language, and a unique rhythm and style, 'School for Fools' offers a thought-provoking journey into the depths of the human experience, placing Sokolov among the pioneers of the exciting rebirth of the Russian novel.

    THE IDEA for A School for Fools first came to Sasha Sokolov in the 1960s, when he was living in Moscow. The city’s hectic and distracting intellectual life made it difficult to finish a large literary...

  8. #8

    The Blood of Roses by Tanith Lee
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    In a rich, complex epic set in a grim fantasy world, 'The Blood of Roses' by Tanith Lee explores the excesses of religion and the dark pagan roots of earlier times. The story revolves around mysterious characters with damaged bodies and minds who come together to enact a world-changing drama. The plot is filled with disturbing rituals, enigmatic priests, and a conflict between a Christian religion and naturalistic pagans. The writing style of the author is described as poetic, weird, and mature, blending myth, reality, and dreams to create a puzzling narrative that demands the reader's immersion and attention.


  9. #9

    Hidden Camera by Zoran Zivkovic
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    In Zoran Zivkovic's novel "Hidden Camera," the reader is taken on a surreal journey as a neurotic undertaker is led through a mysterious scavenger hunt tailored solely to him, encountering bizarre spectacles at every turn. The narrative unfolds with hidden camera views into the mind of the unnamed narrator, exploring themes of existentialism, metafiction, and surrealism. The story is filled with symbolism, parallel worlds, and uncanny events that challenge the protagonist's perception of reality, leading to a haunting and suspenseful experience.

    Zivkovic's writing style in "Hidden Camera" is described as a blend of science fiction, existentialism, and metafiction, drawing comparisons to literary giants like Borges and Calvino. The novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns, culminating in a climax that is abstract yet rewarding. The author's ability to create indelible images, harrowing suspense, and haunting settings makes this book a thought-provoking exploration of themes that require interpretation and close attention to detail.

    That was unusual. The mailman had never delivered a letter that way before. Why hadn’t he dropped it into the mailbox with the others? I’d just collected the mail he had left, as I usually do when I c...

  10. #10

    The Missing Girl by Shirley Jackson
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    In 'The Missing Girl' by Shirley Jackson, readers are taken through a collection of three mini stories, each with its own eerie and unsettling undertones. From a young girl's disappearance at a summer camp to a surreal cross-town journey of a tidy lady, and a nine-year-old boy's train ride interrupted by a patronizing lady, the stories are described as miniature masterworks that start with normal situations but quickly delve into the creepy and mysterious.

    Shirley Jackson's writing style in this book is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged and intrigued throughout the short stories. The stories may not be traditional horror, but they are noted for being subtly twisted and creepy, reminiscent of the unsettling tone found in 'Black Mirror' episodes. The book offers a quick and captivating introduction to Jackson's work, showcasing her talent for crafting stories with unexpected twists and turns.


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